While studying in the Netherlands, Iris was introduced to Kitsilano Neighbourhood House through a fellow student and former Kits House intern. This connection led them to pursue an internship with the neighbourhood house, where they gained valuable hands-on experience that made a lasting impact.
“In the Netherlands, we don’t really have nonprofits within neighbourhoods,” Iris says.
“We just have healthcare from the government and then some organizations that work on their own. Neighbourhood houses — I had never experienced anything like that. It was so different and very community-balanced. In the Netherlands, it’s more individualistic.”
Upon moving to Canada, Iris began an internship at Kits House, where they quickly took on a wide range of responsibilities. At first, they worked closely with seniors, but the role soon expanded to include organizing community events at Steeves Manor and contributing to programs for people living with dementia.
“I helped develop a big part of the Dementia Ventures — the dementia program at Kits House and the community there. I did a lot of research, which was also very interesting for me. I learned a lot and still use that information now in my life. I started up the buddy program there for people who experience dementia or memory loss.”
Iris’s time at Kits House had a lasting impact, both on their professional development and the communities they have served since. Now, working in psychiatry in the Netherlands, Iris continues to apply the skills and knowledge gained during the internship.
“We are currently creating a new brochure with some of the information from Kits House to educate people in the Netherlands as well,” Iris says.
“At Kits House, we created an education program for both the staff and the seniors. We gave several presentations, I created brochures, and we collaborated with many different people in Vancouver. I researched all the information, and I took that with me. So, it also had an impact on the people here in the Netherlands. It goes beyond just Vancouver.”
Iris cherishes many fond memories from their time at Kits House, one of the most special being when they and a co-worker formed a strong connection with a regular participant.
“We shared a lot with them, and they shared a lot with us. I’ll never forget how they kept coming back because they felt safe with us. It made me realize the impact we were making, and that’s something I’ll always carry with me.”